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Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said that the Greek
Cypriot side is not fully satisfied with the progress achieved so far
at the negotiations between the leaders of the two communities in
Cyprus, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot
leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who have held so far 35 meetings in the
framework of direct negotiations which began last September, with a
view to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

We were expecting more progress. In various issues convergences and
agreements have been achieved but in many others there are
disagreements and divergences and especially in some important ones,
the spokesman pointed out.

Stephanou said that so far, despite the fact that some progress has
been achieved, overall we are not satisfied.

But he stressed that despite the non satisfactory progress, we will
continue to work hard at the negotiations, noting that there is no
other way to reach a solution than the talks and negotiations between
the two communities of Cyprus.

He assured that the Greek Cypriot side will continue the direct
negotiations, with seriousness, responsibility, consistency to
principles, determination and flexibility, in order to pave the way for
a solution.

The solution, he went on to add, must be based on the High Level
Agreements of 1977 and 1979, the UN Security Council resolutions on
Cyprus and the principles of European and international law.

We will continue pursuing a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal
federation which is the historic compromise of the two communities. We
are seeking the achievement of a comprehensive, mutually acceptable
solution, which will be a compromising settlement, but will be based on
principles, and for that it will be functional and viable, he said.

Stephanou said that deadlocks and stagnation do not favor the solution
of the Cyprus problem.

Deadlocks and stagnation do not favor the solution, they favor
division, which constitutes a time bomb for the present and the future
of our country and our people, and for this reason it is condemnable,
rejected and no acceptable.

He said that Cypriot President Demetris Christofias strives for the
vindication of Cyprus and its people, to create those circumstances
that would allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to live under
conditions of peace, security and prosperity, in a common country where
human rights and fundamental freedoms will be respected for everyone.

Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in
1974.

The Greek Cypriot side does not accept a solution of the Cyprus problem
that will give Turkey guarantor or intervention rights in Cyprus,
President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian has stressed,
noting that Ankara aims at a settlement of two states in Cyprus and a
solution that does not even serve the interests of the Turkish Cypriot
community.

Speaking at a memorial service for those who lost their lives fighting
in Nicosia area during the Turkish invasion of the island in the summer
of 1974, Garoyian said that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for an
honorable and just compromise but does not accept the closing of the
Cyprus problem.

``Unfortunately Ankara and its representative insist on the Annan plan.
They pursue a solution of two states, insist on `virgin birth`, Turkish
guarantor and intervention rights, refuse to discuss the issue of
illegal settlers, refuse to implement the High Level Agreements and the
UNSC resolutions, violate the principles of international law and
avoide fulfilling Turkish obligations and commitments towards the EU,
Garoyian has stressed.

The House President noted that Turkey aims at a solution based on its
own terms and its own strategic plans, a solution that would not even
serve the interests of Turkish Cypriots.